The father of a four-year-old boy with a rare heart condition has signed up for Cycle 100 2027, just weeks after completing this year’s event in aid of Wales Air Ambulance!
Harrison Adey from Cardiff joined Wales rugby legend Shane Williams and over 70 cyclists for the challenge on Sunday, 6 September 2026.
The riders travelled from Leckwith Stadium, towards Bridgend, through Port Talbot and Swansea, finishing at the lifesaving service’s base in Dafen.
“What a fantastic event!”, Harrison said; “There was such an incredible atmosphere, really welcoming and everyone cheered each other on.
“We were all motivated to raise as much as we could because the crew do such an incredible job 24/7.”
The 36-year-old cycled alongside consultants, critical care practitioners and past patients.
“My wife and I understand first-hand how important it is to have Wales Air Ambulance waiting in the wings, ready to react if someone is critically ill or injured.
“When Natasha was 20 weeks pregnant, Zachary was deemed a high-risk pregnancy. Throughout we were aware that we might need the assistance of this life saving service.
“It is so reassuring to know that it is there, ready to spring into action and take the emergency department to mums-to-be, during such a worrying time.”
Zachary was successfully delivered two weeks early on the 22nd of May 2022. At Natasha’s 22 week scan he was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) – a form of congenital heart disease that is a combination of several defects.
He had to undergo a 10-hour open heart surgery before his first birthday, in addition to this before he turned one years of age, he contracted rhinovirus and coronavirus and started having seizures at four months old.
Harrison said: “Due to the severity of his condition, both Natasha and I decided to get married, a week before his first birthday, so Zachary was the best man in his very own five-piece suit.
“A few days after the wedding, our daughter Emily was born 25 of May 2023, and then in November 2024 we were blessed with the arrival of Grace.”
Harrison says, ‘Zac’s health has to be constantly monitored’, and the past few years have been ‘hugely traumatic’.
“There are no warning signs, he could be playing with his sisters and toys and the next minute he can be on the floor having a seizure.
“We want to do all we can to raise awareness of Zach’s condition and support those who have been there for us as a family.
“I’ve done Charity events for Bristol Hospital and Noah’s Ark, so it’s lovely to support Wales Air Ambulance by doing Cycle 100.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third-sector and public-sector partnership.
The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
“We have the utmost respect for the Wales Air Ambulance”, said Harrison. “I think it’s important for everyone to show their appreciation, in whichever they can, as the service supports so many families like ours, each day.”
Time is limited for the father of three, who works three days on and three days off. He says any spare moments are ‘daddy days.’ “We are so fortunate that Zach is doing so well. We were initially told that he would have delayed speech, as well as learning and walking difficulties.
“But I must take my hat off to his school and teachers, who have done an incredible job. He speaks in short sentences and is learning new words all the time.
“I’d also like to express a huge thank you to Nanny Wendy, Nanna Mac, and Nanny Kay – they are always there when Zachary has an admission to the University Hospital of Wales.”
Harrison treasures the time he spends with his three children, but he also acknowledges it’s important to set his own personal goals and challenges.
“Cycle 100 was perfect for me! I got on my mountain bike and covered off the 100k route in a few hours. I did very little training, so I didn’t spend too much time away from the family.”
A big highlight was when Shane Williams presented him with the race shirt he wore during the event and signed it. “Shane is a real gentleman,” said Harrison; “He showed so much compassion when he heard about Zach’s situation.
“He asked me all our children’s names and promptly wrote a message to them, signing it love Shane.”
Harrison raised £150 and has already booked the day off for next year’s Cycle 100 on Sunday, 25, April 2027. You can sign up here: https://cycle-100-2027.raiselysite.com/en/
Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance Events Fundraiser said: “We are hugely grateful to Harrison for doing the Cycle 100 challenge in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.
“You cannot help but be moved by Zach’s story. He is such an incredible little boy, who has won everyone’s heart, including Shane Williams’, who kindly gave his signed race shirt to the Adey family.
“We are delighted that Harrison has already booked his day off for next year’s event and look forward to seeing him alongside the other riders in April.
“Every pound raised makes a lifesaving difference. Diolch yn fawr!”
